Need your help...can't decide between buying chicks or hatching eggs..

[mags2009]

PLEASE HELP! We have 9 hens right now, but I really want some Black Copper Marans, and some True Ameracaunas. We don't want a lot, just about 6 maybe 3 of each. No hatchery has the chicks right now, only eggs. My friend is incubating the same kinds right now and should be done April 24 or so. NOW... I only want hens... I know a gamble. But thought we could give away any roos we get. But eggs are expensive and you don't know 1. if they will even hatch, and 2. if there will even be any hens. I thought it might me fun to try to hatch (the kids would love it) but what do you all think? is it hard to hatch eggs from a hatchery? And how many eggs would I have to get to get a good possible hatch and a few hens??? HELP

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
The hatching rate for shipped eggs is highly variable, so it's a financial risk given your stated concern. Plus, of those that do hatch, you've got a 50/50 chance of roos. If you want only hens your best bet is to buy sexed day old chickens. I buy mine from MPC and they have a 90% accuracy rate AND if you report roos soon enough, they will credit your account for them. Can't beat that with a stick. If you're interested in showing the birds or in breeding them, that's a different matter entirely.

 

[Keri78]

Yep..that's true if you REALLY don't want to the extra effort...then buy sexed chicks and pay the extra and call it a day. Have you checked Ideal-poultry.com they are GREAT people and will do five chick orders...just ask for no extras added! Shipping is CHEAP! But havig said that...if you want NICE QUALITY chicks(although my chicks from ideal are very nice!)...the order eggs from a well know breeder ...you'll be able to find one easy on here. When I order eggs...I assume that I'm going to have 50% hatch and out of that 50% will be boys. Sooo...if you want 6 girls then...you'll have to do the calculations...it's Sat...my brai is in "relax mode"

Hatchig is FUN!!! Ad this time of year it's easy to sell/or rehome chicks on CL!!! Hubby just bought me my first Bator fir my BDay!!! It's a Brisea Eco 20 with cradle...like $200!! So now I'm all set up! My boys & I are lovin it!!!

oops! I just noticed the breeds you want...nope not gonna happen at Ideal. Go for good breeder eggs!!

 

[teddiliza]

Less disappointment with chicks, unless you have dead ones arrive. The gratification is more instant! Plus, most hatcheries will refund for dead chicks, but you take your chances with shipped eggs!

 

[karen71]

Agree go with the chicks
I have a fortune in my incubator that is not doing anything at this time - makes me mad but I never had issues when I got chicks .

 

[debilorrah]

Walk on the wild side. Do both.

 

[Illia]

If you want real good quality Marans and Ameraucanas - You're gonna have to do with eggs, and trust me it is well worth it.

(although most really good Ameraucanas are also sold as chicks)

Although I'd also try looking locally if I were you. . . There just may be someone around with real Ameraucanas and some good Marans chicks. But beware and make sure you know what you're looking for.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Yes make SURE you know what you are looking for 99.9% of hatcheries call EE's ameraucanas and they are NOT. If you go with eggs, I have some Amaerucana's I can sell ya!